Bucci's Art

LESLIE FIRESTONE
fine artist

February 4 - March 3, 2006

Website: www.lesliefirestone.com
Email: leslie@lesliefirestone.com

Artist's bio
Leslie Firestone was born and raised in Michigan. She moved to the Bay Area at the age of 19 and has lived here for most of the last 24 years. Leslie grew up drawing from an early age. She thought that she would pursue a career in the arts, but political activism and diverse interests drew her to other paths. For more than 12 years Leslie worked in public health education with homeless folks, active drug users, and those with HIV overseeing and developing harm reduction programs.

In 2002 Leslie left that work behind and after an inspired trip to New Mexico she had an overwhelming desire to paint. Leslie saw in art the ability to further her work in harm reduction by creating soothing and inspirational images. A self-taught painter, Leslie has been at it ever since. She currently lives in Oakland with her partner and their dog and cat.

Artist Statement
Through my art I try to convey my interpretations of the beauty I see around me. By really allowing myself to see the beauty of the world, I find that I am able to experience contentment and peace. I try to evoke these feelings in those who view my work as well. I want to create art that takes us away from the negativity and suffering, so often the focus of our everyday lives; not to pretend that it doesn't exist, but instead to counteract it.

Working with pastel there are a multitude of techniques that allow me to express the inherent and often subtle beauty in the world. Through the use of rich color and an emphasis on both shadow and texture, I want to encourage the viewer to step away from the "realities" of everyday life, to see through what may be construed as ordinary or mundane, and to realize that beauty can be found everywhere if we look close enough.

When we focus on suffering we blind ourselves to the ways that the light plays off of a surface, the intricate detail of the shadows on a wall, or the fascinating texture of tree bark. When we take these wonders in and allow them to nourish us we can give back in ways that ultimately lessen suffering.

RESTAURANT & BAR HOURS
Lunch: Mon. - Fri. 11:30 - 2:30
Dinner: Mon. - Sat. 5:30 - 9:30

Bucci's Bar: Mon. - Fri. 2:30 - 5:30
Serving soup, salad, panini, cocktails, dessert